OUR INITIATIVES
These are just a few of the initiatives we’re spearheading to stay on the leading edge of sustainability in our coastal community.
PRESERVATION OF PLACE
- Building is minimum LEED®-like certified — an unofficial way of saying we are meeting LEED® parameters
- Honoring the building’s last iteration as Santa Cruz’s historic La Bahia Hotel, including the meticulous restoration of the iconic 1926 bell tower, mercado square and central fountain
- Interior design elements that pay homage to the building’s heritage, such as arched passageways, exposed wooden-beam ceilings, hand-painted tile, wrought-iron light fixtures and carved wood accents
PLANETARY PARTNERSHIPS
- Green Key Global – an international eco-label, the hotel and lodging industry’s sustainability certification program of choice
- Avendra – North America’s leading hospitality procurement services provider for supply chain quality and sustainability
- Monterey Bay Aquarium – a nonprofit, public aquarium renowned for its 40 years of ocean education, advocation and biodiversity preservation along with its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay and the future health of our aquaculture
ENERGY, CARBON AND WATER REDUCTION
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for guest use
- E-bikes and beach bikes available for gest use
- Supporter of The Plastic Pledge through our exclusive use of recyclable products and no single-use plastics
- Water filtration systems with 100% recyclable aluminum and glass bottles
- Resort-wide recycling program, including a partnership with Clean the World to recycle liquid soaps and distribute to people in need
- Optimizing energy performance, inside and out, including energy-saving guestroom controls
- Water-efficient landscaping, featuring permeable hardscape, drought-tolerant and fire-resistant vegetation and indigenous plant materials from the City’s approved list
- Chlorine-free, saltwater swimming pool
- Spa features a salt bathhouse and agriculturally infused treatments
SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Sustainably harvested seafood in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch
- Strong partnerships with local and regional producers, from craft beer, wine and spirits to dairy, produce, meat and seaweed
- Commitment to using organic, pasture-raised eggs and certified organic, grass-fed meats from small farms
- High-quality vegan and vegetarian menu offerings
- Food waste reduction and organic waste diversion, including composting
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
- Curated artwork by local artisans throughout the hotel and guestrooms
- Local biodiversity support programs, including employee-led Main Beach cleanups with Save Our Shores
- Engaging guests in our local and regional community through tailored itineraries, including behind-the-scenes tours at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, private whale and wildlife watching expeditions, brewery and winery tours, guided culinary tours, historic walking tours and museum tours
